Leh, Oct 09: The fifth edition of the Indian Himalayan Youth Summit commenced in Leh today where the inaugural session was graced by the presence of LG Ladakh, R.K Mathur as the chief guest; and Chairman/CEC, LAHDC Leh, Adv. Tashi Gyalson as the guest of honor.

On the occasion, Dy Chairman, Tsering Angchuk; Executive Councillors, Tashi Namgyal Yakzee, Stanzin Chosphel and Councillors, Principal Secretary Wildlife/Forest, Dr. Pawan Kotwal; PCCF/Chairman, SDF Ladakh, Jigmet Takpa; Secretary Transport, Suagat Biswas; DC Leh, Shrikant Suse; Vice President, Integrated Mountain Initiative (IMI), Amba Jamir; Former CEC Leh/Member Governing Council IMI, Rigzin Spalbar, Administrative officers, District HoDs, and various youth delegates and entrepreneurs from across the mountain states and Union Territories including locals were present.    

Terming the Himalayan regions as the most important ecologically as they determine the climate of the country and the world, LG Mathur stressed the need for youth taking part in the Summit to deliberate and record the outcomes of the event so that it could be heard and implemented at both regional and national levels.

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He emphasised the need to focus on quality tourism and spreading the benefit of tourist activities in all parts of a region rather than allowing it to concentrate in a few places. He emphasised the need to balance the environment, economy, and socio-cultural aspects to achieve sustainable tourism. 

Presenting the keynote address, CEC Tashi Gyalson informed that the Summit is a platform for youth from Ladakh to interact with youth from other Himalayan states and UTs to discuss common issues and learn from each other. He stated that youth can make a lot of difference in coming up with possible solutions and drafting policies for the benefit of the people of the Himalayan regions.

Earlier, a Member of Governing Council, IMI, Rigzin Spalbar, presented an overview of IMI and the objective behind the Youth Summit in his welcome address whereas Namrata Neopaney from IMI informed about the journey of the Indian Himalayan Youth Summit since its first edition held at Kohima in the year 2013.

Later, LG Ladakh in the presence of CEC LAHDC Leh and all the other dignitaries launched E-Vehicles (EVs) during the occasion with an aim to promote carbon neutrality in Ladakh.  

The day-long program had interactive technical sessions themed on sustainability, opportunities, challenges, and solutions for young entrepreneurs in the Indian Himalayan Region.